THE ASHTON
MUNICPAL CONTEST
Record Weather and a Keen FightThat Ashton was in the throes of a municipal
contest, the most remarkable for years, was
palpable yesterday (Friday). Election agents
and political workers careered along the streets
in vehicles or on foot with a business-like
earnestness seldom seen at a municipal election,
and sporting red or blue favours, as the case
might be. Hansom cabs flitted about here and
there with voters wearing a serenely expressive
look as if they held the whip hand, and dapper
little ponies and traps pranced about in the
bright sunlight.

Bill-stickers were busy, and on
the walls was a choice assortment of mural literature.
One large blue poster contained a query as to
whether Liberal rule was worth 2s in the pound
on the rates for Board Schools. A large yellow
and black poster from the Independent Labour
Party called upon the electors to vote straight
for the Liberal candidates, Messrs HAMER and
HURST, whilst cheek by jowl with each other
were two black and green posters, both purporting
to come from prominent Catholics in the town,
one advising the electors to vote for the Liberal
candidates, Messrs M L HALL and Thomas HALLAM,
as opposed to the candidates of Messrs John
BYRNE and J GRIME, and the other vice versa.
The polling stations opened at 8am, and were
timed to close at eight o clock in the evening.

DID NOT HELP AT THE CHAMPAGNE
Letters from the Revs Colbeck and SheersSir," The Conservatives have issued a
handbill entitled "Who drank it? A Champagne
Story." My name is mentioned in it. The suggestion
is made that on the occasion of the Proclamation
of the King in February last, I helped to drink
the champagne; and the statement is made that
on the return of the volunteers I was one who
enjoyed what was being provided. In the plainest
English I can use I beg to say that both the suggestion
and the statement are untrue. And I also beg to
say that the handbill referred to is a shameful
misuse of patriotic occasions for party purposes
which must inevitably damage the prospects of
the party that has forgotten itself so far as
to stoop to such dishonourable means.
I am, yours sincerely,
Alfred COLBECK
Heath Bank, Ashton-under-Lyne

Sir," I was amazed this afternoon
to find my name on a political handbill bearing
the heading, "Who drank it?" I am
at a loss to know on what ground I am ranked
"amongst many other Liberals," as
I am not aware that I have ever uttered a word,
either in public or in private, that would necessarily
commit me to either political party. I greatly
appreciated the courtesy of the Mayor in inviting
me to the Town Hall on the occasion of the Proclamation
of the King, and was very pleased, as a loyal
citizen, to be able to accept his invitation.
I am a teetotaller, and I drank no champagne
or any kind of liquid, and had no cigar. If
I had done so, I should have taken it for granted
that I was doing so at the Mayor s expense.

I also accepted an invitation
to the Town Hall on the occasion of the return
of the volunteers, and stayed as long as my
engagements would permit, but again I had no
refreshments of any kind, though I appreciated
the generosity of the Mayor in providing them.
But it is a shameful thing that gentlemen cannot
accept a Mayor s invitation without danger of
being pilloried in a common political handbill.
I greatly regret that a bill of this nature
should have been published, which, unless it
is repudiated, will make it exceedingly difficult
for self-respecting men to accept any of these
official invitations.
I am, sir, yours very truly,
Geo. England SHEERS

RUNAWAY HANSOM CAB AT
STALYBRIDGE
A Farmer KilledShortly after midnight on Thursday, a sad
street accident, which unfortunately was attended
with fatal results, took place at Stalybridge.
At the hour named, Mr Robert COLLIER, farmer,
of Ridgehill-lanes, was walking in the direction
of Heyrod along with Mr Fred ALLSOP, blacksmith,
Caroline-street, and when near the Glent, they
were startled to hear a horse, attached to a hansom
cab, dashing along the road towards them at a
terrific pace. Both the men made an effort to
get clear, but as they did so, the horse suddenly
swerved on to Mr COLLIER, knocking him violently
to the ground.

Mr ALLSOP escaped, and he at once
hurried to his friend, whom he was shocked to
find in an unconscious state. With all haste
Mr ALLSOP procured the assistance of Dr HANCOCK,
who at once ordered Mr COLLIER s removal to
the Ashton District Infirmary. The unfortunate
man never regained consciousness, his skull
having been fractured and his lower jaw lacerated,
besides his face being badly bruised, and death
took place at 1.30 on Friday morning.

The hansom was without driver;
and the horse galloped madly on through the
streets, being eventually pulled up at the West
End, Ashton. The horse and cab were the property
of Mr George TAYLOR, of Old-street, Ashton.
After the removal of Mr COLLIER to the Infirmary,
William SHEPHERD was discovered a distance up
the road. He was locked up on a charge of drunkenness,
but was bailed out the next morning.

WATERLOO AND BARDSLEY
A CORRECTION " We are asked to state
that the horse and trap which knocked the girl
THOMAS down in Oldham-road, Waterloo, a fortnight
ago, was not being driven, as stated in our evening
edition, by Mr George Albert BINTLIFFE, but by
Mr John William LEES.

THE GAMBLING NUISANCE"
At the Aston County Police Court, on Wednesday,
seven youths, named Ernest PARKER, Alexander
ASHWORTH, Fred ASHWORTH, John HILL, William
ANDERTON, and John ROBINSON, were before the
Bench, charged with gaming at Waterloo, on October
13. Defendants all pleaded not guilty."
A constable stated that at four o clock on the
Sunday afternoon in question, he saw the defendants
playing banker. They were dealing cards out
and putting money on the back and then turning
them over. Witness watched them for about twenty
minutes and got to within 30 yards of them.
They had touts out." Fred ASHWORTH said
he was at the Sunday school at the time, and
called the Sunday school teacher to prove the
statement." HILL said he was laid on the
sofa at the time, and this statement was borne
out by his mother." ROBINSON said he was
simply feeding his pigeons." Fred ASHWORTH,
John HILL, and John ROBINSON were discharged,
and SANGSTER (sic " Ed), PARKER, and Alexander
ASHWORTH, who had previous convictions against
them, were fined 7s 6d. ANDERTON was fined 5s.

"MECHANICAL WORLD"
POCKET DIARY "
This pocket diary and year-book for 1902, containing
a collection of useful engineering notes, rules,
tables, and data, is to hand. A usual, it is well
got up and chock-full of information on a variety
of topics useful to engineers and other artisans.
In this issue there is incorporated a considerable
amount of new matter, there being some concise
notes on the care and management of dynamos and
motors, and tables of logarithms and anti-logarithms,
have been included by special request.TRAP ACCIDENT IN MOTTRAM-ROAD,
STALYBRIDGE
Mr and Mrs George Hill InjuredOn Monday forenoon a serious trap accident
occurred in Mottram-road, Stalybridge. Mr and
Mrs George HILL (of the firm of Messrs John HILL
and Sons, Tudno Cake Factory, Ashton) were driving
from their residence at Bower Fold, and when in
Mottram-road one of the wheels crossed a large
stone. The effect of the lurch which the trap
gave was that one of the shafts snapped and Mr
and Mrs HILL were both thrown to the ground.

Mrs HILL was found to be the most
unfortunate, she being rather badly bruised;
but Mr HILL, though severely shaken, was not
seriously injured. Assistance was quickly at
hand, Mr and Mrs HILL being removed back to
their home, and we are glad to hear they are
progressing favourably towards recovery. The
horse, being frightened, dashed away, but was
eventually secured near the Town Hall.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY
PALATINE OF LANCASHIRE
Appeal To Old Ashton FamiliesSir," I am busy, at my spare moments,
in writing the history of Ashton-under-Lyne for
an expansive work on the county, and am pushed
by the London publishers to have the whole of
my manuscript in their hands by next week. Even
in the midst of local excitement may I venture
to ask for the kind assistance of those whose
long residence in this town and neighbourhood,
and whose family connections go very far back
in point of time, either to supply me with, or
indicate where I could find, at once, the
following particulars, viz:"

Who first brought the cotton
industry into the borough?

Where and by whom was the first
day school carried on.

Where was the "village
pond" situated, and when was it abolished?

Who was the last person exposed
in the stocks?

What families first adopted
improved methods in manufacturing industry,
and in dwellings for the working classes?

What were the common amusements
and recreations of the people between 1745
and 1800 in this town.

Thanking those who will kindly
come to my help in anticipation, and for your
own kind courtesy," I am, Yours truly,
A PARK, Warrington Terrace, Ashton-under-Lyne
31st October 1901

A countryman entered a St
Alban s Hotel and took his seat at a table opposite
a customer who had a bottle of wine. Supposing
the wine to be common property, the inexperienced
countryman poured out a glass for himself, and
drank it with evident delight.

"That s cool!" exclaimed
the owner of the wine, indignantly. "Yes,"
replied the other; "I should think there
was ice in it."

THE RIGHT PLACEThe widow of a celebrated Newcastle manufacturer
of fireworks, wishing to erect a monument to her
husband s memory, took occasion to visit several
cemeteries to choose a style and get some ideas
for an inscription. One epitaph over the grave
of an eminent composer delighted her beyond measure.
She was so charmed with the sentiment that she
adopted it. Accordingly on her husband s monument,
the following inscription appeared in due time:"

Erected by his
Spouse
To the memory if A " B "
Manufacturer of Fireworks
He has gone to the only place
Where his own works are excelled

THE CONCENTRATION CAMPSSir," May I be allowed a brief space
in your paper to call attention to a subject that
is pressing heavily on the hearts and consciences
of many thousands in our land? I refer to the
terrible child mortality in the Concentration
Camps in South Africa. The official information
we now posses is appalling. During the month of
September, poor, innocent, little children died
at the rate of 433 per thousand per annum! These
figures, representing as they do such a vast amount
of sorrow and suffering, if they were seriously
pondered, could not fail to awaken our horror
and to arouse us to action.

Whatever our views on the origin
of the war " and these differ widely "
need they be a bar to united effort in the direction
of earnestly his Majesty s Government to instantly
institute such reforms in the conduct of these
death camps as will arrest this shocking waste
of childlife? I believe it is generally accepted
that, things being as they are, these camps
will have to be continued for many months, it
may be for a year or more. Is it not then our
imperative duty to urge that the conditions
of life therein shall be as healthy, and wholesome,
and pleasant as it is possible to make them,
and at whatever cost?

If we fail now we shall hand down
to our children a name covered with shame, and
our country will become a reproach in the eyes
of the world. It was my privilege yesterday
to attend a meeting in the city of Manchester,
at which it was suggested that a town s meeting
should be called, and also that a memorial be
largely signed. Could not something be done
here? I will gladly associate myself with any
movement in this direction; only for the sake
of the "innocents," and of the future
of our beloved land, let us act with promptitude.

AN ASHTON HOUSEBREAKER S
WARM RECEPTION
Burglar and Householder Roll DownstairsAt the Ashton Borough Police Court on Saturday,
a man who gave the name of William WILSON, and
whose head was swathed in plasters, was charged
with stealing a pair of boots, the property of
Joseph HAMPSON, of 130 Dean-street, on the 24th."
The Chief Constable said he proposed to offer
evidence for a remand until next Thursday, as
he wanted to make some further inquiries respecting
the prisoner s antecedents.

Joseph HAMPSON was then called,
and said that on Thursday evening, about seven
o clock, he was in the house downstairs, and
heard a noise upstairs. He procured the poker,
and, thus armed, he proceeded upstairs to investigate.
In the front bedroom he found the room disturbed
and several drawers open. He went to the landing
and found the back bedroom door closed. He tried
to open it but felt that someone was pushing
at it on the inside.

He had the poker in one hand and
a lighted taper in the other. As he was transferring
these from one hand to the other, the door was
opened and the prisoner made a grab to get hold
of him. He, however, struck him on the head
with the poker. Prisoner rushed on him again,
and after a short struggle on the landing, they
both rolled downstairs. The prisoner s head
was severely injured in the fall, and when arrested
his wounds had to be attended to by the police
surgeon. When searched a pair of boots were
found in the prisoner s pockets." Upon
this evidence the magistrates granted a remand.

HURST
DRUNK " At the Ashton County Police Court
on Wednesday, F PARKIN pleaded guilty to being
drunk at Hurst on October 12th, and as there were
five previous convictions recorded against defendant,
he was fined 10s or 7 days imprisonment.

FAREWELL GATHERING "
A gathering was held on Wednesday evening at
88 King-street, Hurst, to bid farewell to Mrs
Alfred TAYLOR, formerly of Hurst, who is leaving
the village for America. Advantage was taken
of the opportunity to present her with several
presents from her friends. A most enjoyable
evening was spent. Songs were given by Mr Joe
ASPINALL, Mr MARGERSON, Mrs Alfred TAYLOR, Mrs
KENYON, Mrs HOLT, Mrs SMITH, Mrs ASPIN, and
Miss HOPWOOD.

SMOKING CONCERT AT THE BAND
CLUB " The first "smoker"
of the season was held at the above club on
Thursday evening week. The chair was taken by
Councillor R S OLDHAM, supported by Councillor
SCHOFIELD, Messrs W EMMETT, W WHITEHEAD, A T
BENTLEY, and other gentlemen. The first item
on the programme was an overture by the pianist,
Mr HOYLE. Song succeeded song in rapid succession,
each artiste thoroughly pleasing the goodly
company assembled. Mr LOFTUS needs special mention
for his great ability as a comic artist, giving
several songs, and greatly amusing the audience.
Another pleasing feature was the sweet singing
of Master Henry NIELD. Great praise is due to
the rest of the artistes. Messrs FITTON and
HANDLEY who, as tenor and baritone respectively,
gave every satisfaction.

DEATH OF MISS FLORENCE
(FLORRIE) FLETCHER OF HURSTThe death is announced of Miss Florrie FLETCHER,
eldest daughter of Mr Thomas FLETCHER, manager
at the Hurst Mills Company Limited. At all times
Florrie was of a very amiable disposition, and
this enlisted for her a large circle of friends.
Three weeks last Monday she began to be ill, but
no alarming symptoms developed till a week last
Monday, when, after having three local doctors
attending her, the services of Dr WRIGHT, physician,
of Manchester, were requisitioned, but despite
the best skill and the most careful nursing, death
ensued on Sunday morning. Florrie was fourteen
years of age. The funeral took place Wednesday
afternoon at the Dukinfield cemetery when expressions
of regret and sympathy were expressed on all hands
by a large number who witnessed it.DEATH OF MISS JUDSON OF
ASHTONFeelings of sorrow and regret have been generally
expressed at the sad loss which the town has suffered
by the death of Miss Jane JUDSON, of Park View,
Currier-lane, Ashton, which took place in the
early hours of Wednesday morning. The deceased
lady was the daughter of the late Mr J E JUDSON,
leather merchant, Ashton, and sister of Mr Giles
JUDSON, Brooklands, Stalybridge, leather merchant.
She was in her 59th year.

Death was due to congestion of
the lungs and heart failure. About three months
ago, she went on a visit to Tynemouth, and it
was on returning home that the symptoms which
caused her death began to reveal themselves,
and Dr HUGHES was called in. Her condition became
serious, and two consultants from Manchester
were consulted without avail.

The deceased lady was a member
of a well-known and highly respected Ashton
family and a native of the town. Of her it can
be truly said that she was a martyr to over
work, and that she had laid down her life in
the cause which she had so dear to her heart,
that of charity, for scarcely had she a moment
to call her own, so deeply engrossed was she
in attending meetings and in organising philanthropic
work in the town, in connection with which benevolent
work it is evident that she overstrained herself.

She was prominently associated
with the Ashton Parish Church as a devoted and
much beloved lay worker. She was very popular
as a parochial visitor; was hon. Treasurer of
the Parish Church Sunday School Convalescent
Fund, and hon. Treasurer of the Ashton Benevolent
Institution; also hon. Treasurer of the Girls
Friendly Society, and for over twenty years
taught in the Parish Church Sunday School.

"COMING OF AGE"
On Saturday last at the Co-operative Hall, Portland-street,
the celebrations took place of the coming of age
of James Henry WRIGHT, clerk at Messrs Jones and
Company s sewing machine works, Guidebridge, when
about sixty relatives and friends partook of a
good substantial knife and fork tea. After the
tea the room was cleared for dancing and singing.
Mr W PANCOTT officiated on the piano, and opened
the ball with an overture "March", afterwards
a polka which all seemed to enjoy, next came songs
by Mr Samuel HADFIELD, selections by Mr H HAYES
on the piano, while Mr STATHAM gave a song."
PS " The above celebration had been postponed
for several weeks in consequence of a death in
the family.